US-Iran Deal Nears Completion, But Key Issues Remain

Published an hour ago Reading time: 7 minutes

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted on Sunday at a potential deal with Iran, saying that 'perhaps more news will emerge later today.'

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghai said that while there has been a narrowing of stances between the US and Iran in the past week, it does not mean a compromise will be reached on key issues.

The ongoing buzz around the talks suggests that the two sides have reached an agreement on major points.

However, late in the evening, US President Trump said on social media that talks between the US and Iran are continuing 'in an orderly and constructive manner' and he has instructed his representatives not to rush into any agreement.

Meanwhile, Iran's state media said that the agreement is 'stuck' due to sanctions imposed by the US.

Britain and the European Union have welcomed the talks regarding the agreement with statements. The British Prime Minister said that there should be an agreement that allows for freedom of unimpeded movement on the Hormuz Strait.

The European Union and Britain also said that Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that his country is ready to assure the world that it is not trying to acquire nuclear weapons.

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According to Iran's state news agency Tasnim, 'one or two' issues remain unresolved regarding the potential agreement with the US.

It stated that the matter has not yet been finalized due to 'obstruction from the US side' on these issues.

'Epic Fury' objectives achieved - Rubio

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Rubio, who is on a visit to India, said at a press conference with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday, 'In the coming hours, the world may get some good news (at least regarding the Strait of Hormuz).'

However, he also added, 'We still have some more work to do. It's good news, but not final news yet.'

Rubio also said that Iran can never 'possess nuclear weapons.' He said that US President Donald Trump has been clear about this.

He also said that it is 'absurd' to think that the President would agree to any deal that strengthens Iran's position on the nuclear issue.

At the press conference, BBC's Tom Bateman asked about an investigation into reports of the number of schools damaged in Iran since the start of the war on February 28.

In response, Rubio said that he 'will not talk about military strategy, as it is not my department.'

He said that the US objectives were 'very clear,' including destroying Iran's navy, eliminating its ballistic missile firing capability, and damaging its 'defense industrial infrastructure.'

Rubio said, 'These were the objectives of 'Epic Fury,' and these objectives have been achieved.'

However, just a few hours after Rubio's statement, US President Donald Trump said, 'US sanctions on Iran will remain in place until a deal is reached, confirmed, and signed. Both sides must exercise extreme caution.'

Trump emphasized that 'there is no room for error' and 'US-Iran relations are moving in a more professional and positive direction, but Iran must understand that it cannot obtain nuclear weapons or a bomb.'

'Demand for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz'

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed 'the progress made towards a deal between the US and Iran,' and said, 'It is extremely important that Iran is never allowed to develop nuclear weapons.'

Immediately after Marco Rubio's statement in India, Starmer wrote on X, 'There should be a deal that ends the conflict and reopens the Strait of Hormuz, with freedom of navigation without conditions and without any restrictions.'

He said that the British government 'will do everything it can' to protect its citizens from the effects of the war. He also added that he will work with international partners to 'take advantage of this opportunity to achieve a long-term diplomatic solution.'

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she welcomes the 'progress' made in the US-Iran talks, adding that 'Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.'

Where is the deal stuck?

Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that disagreements remain between the US and Iran on 'one or two' provisions of the potential agreement.

It stated that the matter has not yet been finalized due to 'obstruction from the US side' on these points.

The news agency said that mediator Pakistan has been informed of Iran's stance, and if 'US obstruction continues,' the agreement cannot be finalized.

Fars, a news agency affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that these sticking points relate to frozen Iranian assets and sanctions on oil and related materials.

A report by Tasnim News Agency stated that in the draft proposal, Iran has not made any commitment to hand over any of its nuclear materials. However, Western media reports claim the opposite.

Fars reported that the talks on the nuclear issue have been postponed 'potentially until after the war ends.'